Mac is Back!

Just days after being given the all-clear by his Specialist to resume full training with the First Team Squad, Jamie Mackie has featured for QPR in a Reserve game.

QPR played Brighton at Harlington this afternoon, running out 5-3 winners. But the highlight was the return to action of striker Jamie Mackie after 9 months out following his leg-break back in January (in the FA Cup 3rd round defeat away to Blackburn).

Mackie came on for the final 20 minutes and Warnock said, of this delightful surprise (even to Mackie himself!): ‘I didn’t want anyone knowing that he was going to play in the match today.’
‘I decided yesterday that he would be involved, and told Nigel Cox (QPR’s head Physio) that I wanted him to have 20 minutes.

‘I knew it would give him a big lift mentally to feature, but I didn’t tell Jamie until after today’s training session. He didn’t need asking twice!’

Mackie returned to full training last Friday, joining the First Team squad on both Friday and Saturday, and has worked hard to keep his fitness levels up during his enforced and elongated absence.

Warnock commented on Mackie’s work ethic these past months: ‘I have never seen anyone work as hard as him to get fit. He can’t wait to be involved with the First Team again, so let’s hope everything carries on the way it’s going for him at the moment.

‘He will continue to train with us now, and hopefully get 90 minutes for the Reserves next week, and then we’ll look to get him involved.’

During the last 9 months, Mackie has travelled to away games with the First Team squad as well as attending all home matches – often sitting near me in the Directors’ Box – where he could be seen smiling and chatting and waving to fans who wanted to show their appreciation (me included!)

What great news that Mackie’s road to recovery looks to be nearly complete – we need a ‘fox in the box’, I’m sure we’ll all agree – and maybe he is right under our very noses!

Welcome back, Jamie and from all of us at VitalQPR, we can’t wait to see you playing for us once more and (hopefully!)knocking in all those goals we need you to knock in!

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